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Police seek witnesses to roadside assault

ACT Policing is seeking witnesses to an assault which occurred at the side of the Barton Highway on Wednesday (July 30).

About 7.00am, a woman was travelling south in a Holden Astra on the Barton Highway near Gladstone Street, Hall. She had noticed a dark blue Ford Falcon sedan bearing NSW registration driving dangerously and tailgating her vehicle. The Ford has then collided with the back of her vehicle. After both drivers stopped at the side of the road, two men got out of the Falcon sedan. One of the men opened the driver’s door and struck the woman in the face before removing her keys from the ignition. The offender and his passenger then returned to their vehicle and drove away with her keys.

The driver of the Ford Falcon is described as being a male of Caucasian appearance, aged in his late 40s, with an over-weight build and fair-coloured hair. He was wearing thin-framed glasses and a dark jacket.

The passenger of the Ford Falcon is described as a male of Caucasian appearance, aged in his mid-20s with dark-coloured hair. He was wearing a leather jacket.

Superintendent North District Brett Kidner said the incident was disturbing.

“This is a callous act and it’s not the sort of behaviour the Canberra community tolerates.”

“It’s possible other commuters saw the attack; if you were driving on the Barton Highway on Wednesday morning, and saw the incident involving the dark blue Ford Falcon and a Holden Astra or if you saw men matching this description, please contact police,” Superintendent Kidner said.

Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have any information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via www.act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

Oh c’mon. These cops commenting on something they know something about. And, it’s an issue of concern to many. I mean really …Where do they get off? What next? Thoughtful comments in the public interest? .*

Oh c’mon. These cops commenting on something they know something about. And, it’s an issue of concern to many. I mean really …Where do they get off? What next? Thoughtful comments in the public interest? .*

Reading between the lines it does sound like they both road raging each other. If they were just wanting not to cop punishment for the crash why bother to stop. Taking of the keys sounds like they told her she shouldn’t be driving.

The road is two lanes each way?

Wow! Your wife current or future sounds like 1 lucky woman.

I think his ex wife is the lucky one.

Violent crime needs far harsher sentences. First of all they need to be caught, but if they are…slap on the wrist is probably all they will get.

I assumed she was driving 20km below the speed limit as most Canberra drivers seem to feel the need to do. Fair enough the assault/theft of keys was unnecessary, but it can be extremely frustrating when the car infront of you is driving dangerously slow.

Reading between the lines it does sound like they both road raging each other. If they were just wanting not to cop punishment for the crash why bother to stop. Taking of the keys sounds like they told her she shouldn’t be driving.

“This is a callous act and it’s not the sort of behaviour the Canberra community tolerates.”

He’s obvioulsy not aware of what passes for “justice” and “sentencing” in this town.

Ha yeah they’d be absolutely scared witless of the consequences. But seriously it’s got to the stage where, especially if you’re an easy target, you’ve got to lock yourself in the car because the lowlife are everywhere.

There is no excuse for this animal behaviour. It’s a shame the woman didn’t ‘read’ the men’s behaviour and keep her car door locked. Tailgating & driving dangerous should have indicated this. Plus did she take the registration of the other car? She should have. I have taken it (in case) for less. I have rarely had to take it further, but it’s good to have the registration number.
I hope they catch the animals.

Reading between the lines it does sound like they both road raging each other. If they were just wanting not to cop punishment for the crash why bother to stop. Taking of the keys sounds like they told her she shouldn’t be driving.